St. Patrick's Day is a fun celebration of America's Irish heritage, and even people without a single ancestor from the Emerald Isle will join in the festivities on March 17. Throughout Pennsylvania, you can find plenty of places that pull out all the stops on the big day. The Philadelphia St. Patrick's Day Parade Philadelphia has been celebrating St. Patty's Day since before America was a country. The Philadelphia parade takes place every year on the Sunday before the holiday, and they always have a new theme that celebrates the people who keep the city running. Pittsburgh's Irish Fair in the Square Pittsburgh has its own parade and Irish Fair held in the Downtown Market Square from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The fair is family-friendly, but at 1 p.m., they open up the taps and the beer starts flowing. Harrisburg's Friendly Sons of St. Patrick Charity Event Every year, the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick in Harrisburg hold a charity concert and party at the Midtown Arts Center the Friday before St. Patrick's Day. The tickets to get in are expensive, but they serve complimentary draft beer and wine, and they sometimes book major bands to play. No matter what part of the state you're in, you won't have to look far to find a place in Pennsylvania that celebrates St. Patrick's Day. Whether it's a big parade, a festival, or just a pub crawl, people have a lot of fun the week of March 17. Image via Flickr by DrivingtheNortheast
Try These Trails: Pennsylvania Hiking
The Appalachian Mountains run through the middle of Pennsylvania, giving the state some great places to hike. So if you want to see the state's natural beauty at its finest while getting a workout, you should visit one of the hiking trails on this list. The Great Allegheny Passage The Great Allegheny Passage starts in Cumberland, Maryland on the western side of the state and heads northwest to Pittsburgh. Despite cutting through several mountain ranges and passing over the valleys between, the GAP is remarkably level throughout its whole length, making it good for hikers of every experience level. And with several towns along the path, you can start and end your hike anywhere you like. The Pine Creek Rail Trail The Pine Creek Rail Trail takes travelers through the Pine Creek Gorge, a valley so big and deep that its nickname is "the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania." As an old rail line, the trail never gets too tough to walk, so you can focus more of your energy on enjoying the scenery. Ghost Town Trail The Ghost Town Trail is another old rail line and has a gravel surface. The trail passes through Indiana and Cambria Counties, and like the name suggests, you can find all kinds of ruined towns and old rail scrapyards along the trail's length. Along with trails built over old railroad tracks, you can also find more challenging hiking trails out in the state and national forests along the northern part of the state. But wherever you go, you'll find plenty of wonderful views. Image via Flickr by Nicholas A. Tonelli
2 Things You Should Know About 2018 Toyota Camry Trims
For 2018, Toyota has completely redesigned the Camry, bringing several new features and trim options to the company's classic midsize car. Although the trim names are the same as they were in 2017, you also get a set of new features and new trims that flesh out what the car has to offer. The New Engines An I-4 engine is still available in the basic Camry trims and you can upgrade to a V-6 if you choose the XLE or XSE. But now the I-4 engine gets 203 instead of 178 horsepower, and the V-6 gets 301 instead of 268 horsepower. You also get a new eight-speed automatic transmission with both engines. The L Trim The L trim has been available for the compact Yaris and Corolla vehicles for a long time, but before 2018 the LE was the Camry's base trim. The new model has introduced the budget L trim to the Camry's range, but even though it's inexpensive, the L still comes with features like a 7-inch touch screen with Entune 3.0, Toyota Safety Sense P, automatic headlights, and a backup camera. With the 2018 redesign, the Toyota Camry continues to lead the way in offering excellent features at a reasonable price for commuters and families. If you held off on trading in your old midsize sedan before, now is a great time to get in a new Camry and find out for yourself what makes the new design one of your best options. Image via Flickr by mariordo59
Smart Tricks for Cleaning Your Car
Not everyone puts their car through a spring cleaning, but it's a good habit to pick up if you want to avoid having a dashboard coated in dust and carpets gritty with sand and dirt. And to make that transition easier, there are a few things you can do to make cleaning cheaper and easier. Line the Cup Holders Your cup holders can be hard to clean out, especially since modern cup holders are deep so they can fit giant cups. But if you get a set of big silicone muffin cups, they can catch all the sticky spills and dust, and then you can throw them in the dishwasher to get them clean again. Scrub Surfaces with a Toothbrush If you have leather surfaces or any sort of textured plastic or vinyl, the best way to get the dirt out of the grain texture is with a toothbrush. The cleaner you use should depend on the surface, but toothbrushes offer the perfect compromise between stiff and soft bristles. Moisturize Leather with Olive Oil Over time, leather will start to dry out and crack. Modern materials add a few extra years, but no leather lasts forever. Still, you can bring some of that moisture back by rubbing a little olive oil into the leather. A clean interior is much nicer than one full of sticky stains, piles of empty wrappers and bottles, and layers of dust in the vents and on the dashboard. And with the right tips, you don't have to work too hard to keep that interior in good shape. Image via Flickr by Toyota Motor Europe
2 Must-Taste Burgers Around Allentown, PA
Burgers are never hard to find in the United States, and Allentown, Pennsylvania is certainly no exception. Although you can walk to any given corner to find a fast food burger joint, it's worth looking a little deeper to find the best burger in town. Check out the local spots on this list to find a truly tasty burger. Griddle 145 Griddle 145 is on MacArthur Road just south of Jordan Creek. The restaurant lives up to its name by serving breakfast all day (or until its 2 p.m. closing time), but their burgers are worth the trip, too. Their signature burger comes stuffed with mushrooms and onions, and if you order the Boomer, you'll get your breakfast served as toppings for your hamburger. The Burgery Company You'll have to drive south of Allentown into Emmaus to find this gem of a burger spot. They put all kinds of meat between two buns, like Kobe beef, elk, venison, ostrich, and lamb. They also have a few veggie options, and they take care to pair each meat or meat substitute with just the right toppings, so each burger has its own unique set of choices. You can also find plenty of other local restaurants that serve great burgers, like Bell Hall, Wert's Cafe, and the Burger Shack. But if you've been eating fast food burgers your whole life and you want a change, visit one of these two places to find out what you've been missing. Image via Flickr by convex021
3 Fluids You're Forgetting in Your Vehicle
So you know you need to add fuel to your car when the tank gets low, and you probably know your oil needs to be changed every few thousand miles. However, there are other essential fluids that help your engine run smoothly. Here are the other levels you need to check regularly. Washer Fluid You might only use a little bit of it every time you spray your windshield with wiper fluid, but eventually the tank will run dry if you don't top it off. Washer fluid uses special formulas to cut through the gunk that can cake the glass, so it's essential that you always make sure you have enough. Coolant Coolant makes sure your engine doesn't overheat, burn oil, or warp the cylinders, so it's important to say the least. Coolant gets dirty over time and can also leak if your radiator is old or damaged, so eventually it will need to be replaced. Transmission Fluid Your transmission needs lubricant to keep the gears moving, but after a few million gear shifts, it fills up with metal scrapings and needs replacing. Usually this happens every 30,000 miles, but you should check your user's manual to find out for sure and make sure your mechanic inspects the transmission fluid regularly. Your engine also uses other fluids for the power steering and brakes. Both are fluids you shouldn't need to change very often, but it's important to do so when you reach the milestones laid out by the manufacturer. Image via Flickr by James Case
Where to Get the Best Donuts in Allentown, PA
Whether you are out and about with the kids and are looking for a snack, or want to treat your family for a sweet dessert after school, there are plenty of quality bakeries and juice bars in Allentown, Pennsylvania, serving delicious donuts. Find out more about the best places to try below. Duck Donuts Open between 5:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. every day, this friendly place has great offers on donuts and assortments. Duck Donuts also has featured donuts and can create your special family favorite for order, just as you like it. If you are turning up for lunch, you will find sandwiches and sundaes, and delicious hot drinks to go with them. Mary Ann Donut Kitchen When you need snacks on the go, you can buy quality donuts by the dozen at Mary Ann Donut Kitchen. If you decide to have a breakfast or Sunday brunch, you can also order a hot homemade soup with a bagel or a donut for a dollar. You will find unique, fresh pastries in the kitchen such as raisin bars, cupcakes, sticky buns, and croissants. Emmaus Bakery From Dutch style sweets to bread rolls and holiday cakes, as well as gift wrapped donuts, you can choose your treat for the day. The bakery has won several awards in recent years, for its delicious cookies and creative cupcakes. Whether you are looking for a quick sugar fix or an after-school treat, you will find plenty of quality bakeries and donut places you can try. Image via Flickr by tess_marie
3 Signs that You Need to Check Your Brakes
Well-functioning brakes are one of the most important parts of a safe vehicle. Not only do you endanger yourself and passengers with faulty brakes, but you also endanger other drivers on the road. Here are three signs that you need to check your brakes. Squealing or Screeching Sounds Your vehicle has pads on the inside of the brakes called brake pads. These come in contact with the rotor, which is connected to the wheel. When you apply the brakes, these pads squeeze the rotor or disk to slow its rotations and therefore slow the wheels and the vehicle as a whole. If you hear any squealing or screeching sounds when you are braking, this is a sign that the brake pads are wearing down. Replacing these pads is simple and inexpensive and should be done regularly. Visit the service department at Bennett Toyota for help. More Pressure Needed on the Brake Pedal The harder you have to push on the brake pedal to stop, the more worn down your brakes might be. If your brake pads are fine, but it's still taking extra pressure to stop, there might be something wrong with the brake caliper. Clicking or Vibrating When Braking Brake pads are connected to a brake caliper. This device is what squeezes the pads together over the rotor. If you feel clicking or vibrating when you're braking, this could be a signal that the caliper is malfunctioning or the pads are coming loose. Any type of brake malfunction could be life-threatening while driving. Don't let faulty or worn brakes go unnoticed. Image via Flickr by gagilas
3 Places to Get Great Coffee In Allentown
A good coffee shop can be a home away from home. Stop in at one of these great spots in Allentown, Pennsylvania for a warm welcome and good coffee. Coffee House Without Limits Located on 4th Street in the historic district of Allentown, Coffee House Without Limits welcomes customers into a shop that feels like your living room. You'll find vegan and vegetarian options and plenty of coffee. Enjoy a classic latte or boost your immune system with a mug of local Kombucha. This shop supports local artists and brings together the community with frequent musical performances and poetry readings. Hava Java Another community-building coffee house, Hava Java is found in the West End Theatre District and welcomes local performers and artists to showcase their work. Enjoy fresh pastries and expertly made espresso drinks. Try a piece of fresh biscotti and a warm cup of coffee while you take in the eclectic, warm environment. Johnny's Bagels and Deli If you're looking for a coffee shop with a full menu, Johnny's Bagels and Deli on Hamilton Street has you covered. With four locations throughout the Lehigh Valley area, this shop is a local favorite. Stop in for a fresh cup of coffee or a cappuccino paired with one of their signature New York-style bagels. Share the goodness with friends and family by taking home a bag of bagels or any other package of prepared baked goods. For a full meal, enjoy a platter of Joann's Flapjacks or a sweet crepe. When you're in the mood for a great cup of coffee and a welcoming atmosphere, head to one of these Allentown favorites. Image via Flickr by someonefromvienna
3 Places For an Afternoon Stroll in Allentown
There is nothing nicer on a cool, sunny winter afternoon than having a stroll in the park and looking at the different shades and lights. Next time you are looking for a nice walk, you can try visiting one of the below places for a great family afternoon. Canal Park Close to Kleck Park, you will find this green area by the canal where you can find boats for hire and bike routes for active days out. You can rent your grills and have a picnic, or just admire the views over the Lehigh River on a bright day. Connecting the Delaware and Lehigh Corridor, the park is part of a 165-mile trail. Cedar Beach Park For families, this park is a great choice. You can walk around the park and let the kids jump in one of the pools, play basketball or volleyball, and even visit the Destination Playground to release their energy. Trexler Memorial Park If you are looking for new scenery and want to watch wildlife, Trexler Memorial Park is the place to visit. There is a paved loop trail that is suitable for all abilities and on-site parking. Watch the ducks, swans, and geese, have a chat on the bench, and let life go by. Whether you would like to let the kids get some fresh air and exercise, or are looking for tranquility and beautiful views, Allentown has great parks to get you to fall in love with the great outdoors. Image via Flickr by Lehigh Valley, PA
How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Children
Are you getting ready for a new addition to family or preparing to take on a babysitting job? You'll want to be sure your vehicle is prepared for children. Keep these tips in mind to provide a safe and entertaining ride. Car Seats Most modern vehicles have a system in place for latching in car seats. Be sure to read your car seat manual thoroughly and follow the instructions for proper installation. New babies must face the rear of the car until they reach over 28 pounds. Children under the age of 12 should use a booster seat and stay out of the front passenger seat. Kid-Friendly Accessories If you don't have tinted windows, put up a window shade. These shades use suction cups to attach to the window, and they block the sun from the baby's eyes keeping them happy and maybe even asleep. Keep a care kit in the car at all times. For infants, this could include extra diapers, wipes, and a fresh set of clothes. For older children, keep some bandages, necessary medications (inhalers, etc.), and water bottles. Attach a car-mirror to the headrest of the backseat to be able to see a rear-facing infant from the driver's seat. Entertainment Capabilities When preparing to cart around older children, they'll appreciate some entertainment options. Look for a vehicle with plenty of USB ports and power outlets to keep their devices running. Keeping your backseat passengers entertained, especially during long trips, is essential to a peaceful drive. Stop in at Bennett Toyota to check out our selection of family-friendly vehicles today. Image via Flickr by jencu
How to Choose a Car for Your Family
When searching for a family vehicle, there's a lot to keep in mind. Ideally, you'll need space for everyone and their belongings, technology features to keep the backseat entertained, and plenty of safety features. Toyota delivers several options to meet your needs. Space Get tons of space in the Toyota Sequoia. Seat eight passengers comfortably, and fold down seats for cargo. The second and third rows fold flat to reveal 120.1 cubic feet of area. A dual glove compartment offers even more space for anything you need within reach. The seats fold forward and recline throughout the cabin for more comfort and seating configurations than you can dream of. Technology and Convenience The Sienna has an available dual-view entertainment center for backseat passengers. Keep all the kids happy with the option to display two movies at the same time or one movie with wide-screen view. Wireless headphones keep the noise out of the front seats. Two rear power outlets allow everyone to get their devices up and running. Power sliding doors and a power lift gate make loading passengers and cargo easier than ever. Safety Toyota's Safety Sense suite of features is available on most of their vehicles to give you peace of mind for your loved ones. Smart cruise control and lane departure alert systems keep you a safe distance from other vehicles. The collision warning system with pedestrian detection alerts you when objects get too close and slows the vehicle to avoid impact. Head to Bennett Toyota to find the perfect fit for your family. Image via Flickr by rentacon